Bahamas

Under the cover of night, they lay in wait for merchant ships and plodding Spanish galleons filled with gold. Hundreds of islands, each with tiny cays and channels, were perfect hiding places for Blackbeard and other pirates who plundered ships all along the Bahamas in the late 1600s.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: March 26, 2015 9:42 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada)2. ADVISORIESBAHAMAS - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Bahamas. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution high rates of crime, especially in Nassau.3. SECURITYThe decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.CrimeCrime occurs mainly in Nassau and Freeport. There has been an increase in armed robberies targeting tourists in Nassau. Incidents take place in populated and isolated areas, and even in daylight hours. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Home invasions are also of concern in Nassau.Stay alert to your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Sexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau.Be cautious and mindful of the risks to your personal safety when partaking in recreational water activities. Foreigners have reportedly been sexually assaulted by water sports rental operators. Tourists have been seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft due to the poorly regulated water sports rental industry in the Bahamas.Road travelTraffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents frequently result in injuries and death. Roads are generally adequate in Nassau and Freeport, but road travel is limited elsewhere. Road construction is not always well marked. Bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport.Air travelSee Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.General safety informationRent water sports equipment only from reputable operators, inquire about insurance coverage, and insist on proper training before using the equipment.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Bahamian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit the Bahamas, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.VisasTourist visa: Not requiredBusiness visa: Not requiredStudent permit: RequiredChildren and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care is good in Nassau and Freeport, but limited elsewhere. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Embassy of Canada.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.LawsLong-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Bahamas, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and the Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.A valid Canadian driver's license is sufficient for driving in the Bahamas for up to three months.MoneyThe currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane SeasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.